White and Bright: DIY Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Whiteners

There has been much controversy over the use of fluoride since its introduction over 40 years ago. Our U.S. government recently admitted that they have been overdosing us with fluoride in our water supply – whether we like it our not. Although the government made claims that fluoride helped to fight tooth decay, the FDA had actually never fully supported those claims. It has now been proven that fluoride overdose leads to “dental fluorosis” which is a chalky build up on your teeth, as well as other side effects including gastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Many of today’s name brands that are ADA-Accepted contain fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate. Yikes!

But don’t fear! You can actually create your own chemical free toothpaste at home with just a few simple household items, including one of my favorite natural ingredients – coconut oil! The best part is you don’t have worry if you accidentally swallow some – it is food grade and safe. Below are three organic, natural DIY recipes: one is for toothpaste, the second is for tooth powder and the third is for mouthwash. The results will give you a fresh-from-the-dentist clean and bright smile!

Mouthwash1

Pink Salt Toothpaste

Ingredients:

¼ cup Himalayan pink salt

2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

2 tsp baking soda

15 drops food grade peppermint essential oil (DoTerra is a good brand)

Combine salt, coconut oil and baking soda in jar and blend with a fork. Add 15-20 drops of peppermint essential oil to taste and stir. Mixture should be a liquid paste consistency.

pinksaltwhitening1

Diatomaceous Earth Tooth Power

Ingredients:

1/8 cup diatomaceous earth (DE)

1 tsp hydrogen peroxide

1 tbsp baking soda

1 tsp Himalayan pink salt

10 – 15 drops food grade peppermint oil

Combine DE, baking soda and pink salt with a fork. Then add in peroxide and stir out clumps. Mixture should become a thick powder. Then, add in peppermint oil to taste. Caution: do not add in too much oil or the powder becomes a paste! If it starts to form a paste-like texture, add in more baking soda.

whitening2

Peroxide Mouthwash

Ingredients:

½ cup water

2 tsp baking soda

¼ cup hydrogen peroxide

6 drops tea tree oil

6 drops Peppermint Oil

Combine all ingredients in jar. Shake well to mix. Add in more peppermint oil for an extra fresh day.

*** Please make sure to use food grade essential oils when creating tooth products. These oils are specifically made to be consumed and are safe if swallowed. I recommend the DoTerra brand essentials oils as they are all made edible.

mouthwash2

By Nichole Dawkins

Images by Stephanie Pino

Oye Pappi, Ven Acá!

Are You Waffles or Spaghetti?

Heart to Hart on Being Beautiful